Concept in Definition ABC

A fungicide is a toxic chemical product designed to eliminate those fungi that are a potential threat for the normal development of plants or for the life of animals. The term fungicide comes from fungi, which means fungus.

The most common application technique for fungicides is fumigation, although there are procedures different depending on the areas of application.

The most widespread use of fungicides is in agriculture, since crops have a number of threats in the form of fungi that damage plants in various ways, which has effects on crops and, of course, on the economy of the agricultural sector.

Health hazards

Fungicides prevent plant diseases, but being a toxic product it has a series of risks to human and animal health. The incorrect use of any phytosanitary product and in particular of fungicides is potentially toxic, so extreme precautions and measures must be taken. safety. Thus, professionals who handle fungicides must receive specific training and have an applicator certificate.

In a global market like the one we find ourselves in, it is relatively common for news about food products to appear contaminated by fungicides or pesticides because not all countries respect the protocols established to maximize the safety.

The contamination of fungicides occurs in a double sense: with the presence of chemical substances in the fruits or by releasing residues to the environment.

In recent years, studies have appeared that relate the progressive disappearance of bees with the use of fungicides. It is not a minor problem, since bees carry out the pollination of flowering plants and, therefore, life on the planet would be threatened without the intervention of bees in the exchange of matter and Energy. On the other hand, without bees we would not be able to enjoy honey, a food that only they produce.

Alternatives to fungicides

Its high toxicity and associated hazards have prompted some farmers to try green alternatives to fungicides. At present, fungi are fought with other techniques: treatments with heat and hot water, with ionizing irradiations or with changes in the conservation refrigerates food. In short, an attempt is made to avoid the widespread use of fungicides.

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